Is there a better alternative?

Lacking the bells and whistles of many of its competitors is what helps keep the HP 34f more modestly priced. For comparison, HP’s EliteOne 1000 34-inch curved comes with the same screen size and resolution in a curved form factor, but the panel comes with an extended three-year business-class warranty along with a pop-up webcam. Though the basic features are similar with the 34f, the EliteOne 1000 costs nearly $900 more.

　　Dell’s UltraSharp 34 Curved U3415W priced at $749 is a closer match to HP’s 34f. Like the EliteOne, this monitor shares the 34f’s screen size, curved experience, and screen resolution. However, the UltraSharp currently retails at a $100 premium, and the bottom-facing ports on this monitor makes it less convenient than on HP’s model. And while both Dell’s and HP’s 34f are cheaper than Samsung’s highly rated $799 ultrawide CF791, the latter covers 125 percent of the sRGB color space and ships with built-in speakers. Creatives who have the funds can step up to BenQ’s $900 ex3501r, which comes with a slightly 35-inch, color accurate HDR panel. This screen’s 100 Hz refresh rate makes it ideally suited for both creative tasks and gaming.

　　

How long will it last?

The HP 34f comes with HP’s standard one-year warranty, making it on-par with other consumer displays in its class. This is shorter than the three-year standard warranty available on some premium gaming monitors or on professional displays, like HP’s Elite line. Given the panel’s relatively high UWQHD resolution, it should be relevant for at least a few years — or at least until higher UHD resolution in wider formats become the norm. You’ll may want to splurge and add an extended warranty if you intend on keeping the 34f on your desk for a while.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes, HP’s 34f is a monitor that comes with many features that will please most home user or office worker, and it delivers all this at a modest price.